We’ve all been fantasizing about it for months, and finally warmer weather has arrived. Of course all you want to do is fire up the grill and start working on your tan, but before you can kick back in your hammock or poolside, there are a few tasks you’ll need to tackle. And you can bet they’re all outside.
One of the May Home Maintenance To-Do’s that needs to make it onto your checklist is Repairing Wood Fences and Gates.
The fact is, cycles of cold and wet weather cause wood to move, twist, and warp. That can make garden gates fall out of alignment, and can cause fence pickets to loosen or fall off. So when you make your inspection, check for signs of loose fencing, and fix sagging gates.
If you’re so inclined (and not accident prone), cordless battery-powered nail gun ($250) makes quick work of refastening pickets and fence supports. Use only galvanized nails for outdoor work. Use a power drill fitted with a screw tip or a hex driver to remove or tighten loose screws and bolts in gates.
However, if you are prone to accidents, as well as short on time, this is a great job for a handyman. You’ll pay $20 to $60 an hour, depending on your location.
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